The breeding of colour variants of African antelope is one of many practices in the private wildlife industry that is causing concern among nature conservation officials.

Some people disagree that colour variants are a cause for concern and conclude that colour variation is a natural part of evolution, that these variations increase biodiversity and that farmers have the right to create wealth from breeding with the animals that give the largest economic returns.

Colour variants have become very sought after and profitable to farm with and are thus very popular. However, it has been warned that colour variants do not contribute to conservation or the long term survival of a species since colour variants normally do not survive in nature.

Contrary to this some farmers, who breed with these animals, claim that they contribute to conservation. Little data is available concerning colour variants, which has resulted in a debate concerning the management of these animals. The objective of this survey is to determine what the opinions of various stakeholders in the industry are concerning colour variants.

"This survey forms part of a larger M.Sc. study about colour variants to ultimately determine what the implications of breeding with colour variants are for the conservation as well as wildlife management industry. It is not the goal of this study to choose sides in this debate, but to collect data in a scientific manner to address the lack of information.

"Your input into my research by method of this survey will be greatly appreciated. The survey is anonymous and no personal information needs to be provided," says Phillip Olivier, an MSc Zoloology student, who is conducting the survey as research for his master's degree.

He can be contacted at:

E-mail: olivierpa@ufs.ac.zaFax: 086 661 6431Cell: 082 265 3972

How to answer the Survey

The survey can be printed out and the questions answered by making a clear X mark over the letter that corresponds with the appropriate response to each question and filling in where necessary with pen.

Afterwards the survey can be faxed to 086 661 6431.
or
scanned and e-mailed to olivierpa@ufs.ac.za.